IT WAS A COMPLIMENT JACK: England assistant manager Gary Neville has insisted that Paul Scholes' criticism of Jack Wilshere back in March was actually meant as a compliment [GETTY]

The former Manchester United star criticised the Arsenal midfielder after the Gunners 2-2 draw against Swansea back in March.

Scholes believes the 21-year-old has not improved since he burst on to the scene five years ago and that he didn't look like he would improve unless he had a dominating midfield partner beside him.

He said "Wilshere, what a really top young player, but he has not really gone on.

"He needs players like Vieira to take him to the next level.

CRITICAL: Scholes slated Wilshere after Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Swansea last back in March [GETTY]

“When Paul Scholes speaks about you, it’s a compliment”

Gary Neville

"Injuries have not helped him but his development, from being 17, he does not look any better player now than when he was 17."

Scholes' comments were met with mixed with reviews with many Arsenal and England fans agreeing and disagreeing with his harsh assessment of the England international.

Former England star and current coach Neville believed Scholes' criticism of Wilshere was meant as as backhanded compliment and that his former team-mate wouldn't mention the Arsenal star if he didn't rate him.

Neville said: “When Paul Scholes speaks about you, it’s a compliment.

"While Scholes’ words may have come across as critical, he wouldn’t even bother speaking about 99.9% of football players, he wouldn’t give them the time of day.